Behavior Counselor - Kennedy High School

Waterbury Public Schools; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterbury Public Schools seeks a Behavior Counselor for the Student Support Services department. This 10-month, 35-hour-per-week role focuses on providing behavioral resources and intervention programs to support students and implement PBIS and SRBI frameworks.

The incumbent will respond to Level 1 and Level 2 behaviors, maintain data logs, collaborate with school staff and families, and assist in creating positive climate plans while ensuring compliance with IDEA and district policies.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years working with behavioral resources and intervention of adolescents in a high school environment.
• Certification in Physical Management Training procedures.
• Substitutions allowed: Associate's Degree or college coursework may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Addresses negative student behaviors and assists students with altering their behavior.
• Collaborates with the building administrator on early intervention and de-escalation of students in crisis.
• Maintains logs and prepares timely, accurate reports regarding incidents and progress.

Skills

Experience with adolescents

PBIS/SRBI knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Data collection & reporting

Team collaboration

Education

Certification in Physical Management Training

Associate's Degree substitutions for experience

Job description

Job Classification

Reports To: Receives general direction from a Principal or other administrative official of a higher grade.

Waterbury Public Schools

Job Classification Description

JOB CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Behavior Counselor

Department: Student Support Services

Incumbent Name: Grant Funded

Bargaining Unit Classification: Non-Union*

Flsa Designation

Non-Exempt. 10 months; 35 hours per week

$21.72-$28.77 per hour. This is a union, grant funded position that exists as long as grant funds are available.

Part I – Summary Of Classification

This class is accountable for providing behavioral resources and intervention programs.

Guidelines for Class Use

This job classification focuses on responding to repeated Level 1 Behaviors and Level 2 Behaviors and on implementing a positive behavior management system in order to improve student behavior and enhance academic skills. The management of the behavior system includes, but is not limited to, collecting and tracking data pertaining to students and school wide patterns, training staff in de‑escalation strategies, implementation of positive behavior plans/climate plans and general climate improvement.

Part II – Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience

Five (5) years working with behavioral resources and intervention of adolescents in a high school environment.

Special Requirement

Certification in Physical Management Training procedures.

Substitutions Allowed

• An Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in education, behavioral science, human services, psychology, or closely related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the General Experience.
• College training in education, behavioral science, human services, psychology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

Credentials

Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a current Motor Vehicle Class D Driver’s License.

Continuing Education Requirements

None specified.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Knowledge of behavioral modification strategies.
• Knowledge of biological, cognitive and social‑emotional development of adolescents stages.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of current best practices, laws, including due process and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and interventions regarding the education of special needs students.
• Knowledge of educational philosophy, teaching methods and approaches, and currently researched best practices and strategies.
• Knowledge of educational testing.
• Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Scientific Research Based Interventions (SRBI).
• Knowledge of puberty, cognition, morality, identity, relationships, school, work and culture of adolescents.
• Knowledge of relevant Board of Education policies and District administrative procedures.
• Knowledge of specific disabilities and familiarity with common children's mental health disorders, as well as specific strategies/interventions to use in the classroom or other school setting.
• Considerable interpersonal skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in interpersonal relations, especially regarding working as a member of a team.
• Ability to apply the principles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Scientific Research Based Intervention (SRBI).
• Ability to express ideas clearly.
• Ability to engage youth.
• Ability to facilitate group interaction.
• Ability to mediate and resolve conflict.
• Ability to utilize computer software.
• Ability to utilize relevant assessment tools, and integrate the results of the assessments into the District truancy plan.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Part III – Position Supervises

May provide work direction to paraprofessionals.

Part IV – Essential Functions

• Addresses negative student behaviors and assists students with altering their behavior.
• Assists in implementing behavioral education plans.
• Assists students in participating in general school activities and is responsible for safety and personal conduct of students.
• Collaborates and coordinates with the building administrator the early intervention of behavioral issues and de‑escalation of students in crisis.
• Communicates policies and protocols to families and staff.
• Encourages improvement in student attitude and behavior, school atmosphere, academic performance and personal growth.
• Explores ways to engage students to effect positive attitudes and control on behavior.
• Facilitates in obtaining resources related to the flow of students removed from the class or school.
• Implements the Safe School and Positive Climate Handbook.
• Incorporates PBIS standards and framework into classroom and individual behavioral management strategies and recommendations.
• Instills collective values and encourages behavior that is acceptable for the classroom and school environment.
• Maintains logs and prepares timely accurate reports regarding incidents and progress to adjust behaviors.
• Participates as a member of the school's interdisciplinary team.
• Promotes and facilitates peer support groups.
• Provides behavioral resources and intervention services to students.
• Provides students with strategies and skills to meet expected behavioral and academic requirements.
• Reviews and reports on referrals, bullying and other data.
• Reviews and responds to Level 1 and Level 2 referrals.
• Serves as a first responder to assist staff members with students' negative behaviors.
• Uses disciplinary action to stimulate an opportunity to reflect and learn about consequences.
• Works closely with all constituents to correct discipline problems as they occur.
• Works with school staff and parent or guardian of student.
• Performs related duties as required.

Part V – Working Conditions, Physical and Mental Requirements

Employees appointed to positions in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class. Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some risk of injury from assaultive or abusive students. A physical examination may be required.

Work Frequency:

• Never (N): 0% of shift
• Occasionally (O): 33% of shift
• Frequently (F): 66% of shift
• Constantly (C): 100% of shift

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions are listed per job competency and are general in nature.

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.